Panagbenga which means “a season for blooming” in Kankanaey, is celebrated in the month of February in Baguio City, the Philippines’ summer capital. A homage to the beautiful floral bounty that Baguio City is famous for, Panagbenga guests are treated to a grand display and parade of floats bedecked with flowers for over two days. Other activities are also planned for the merry-makers such as street dancing parade and band exhibitions. Panagbenga was held first in February 1995 to help Baguio forget the tragic earthquake in 1990 that brought distress to the city. Most of the festivities are held in the two major areas of the city: Burnham Park and Session Road.

A traditional dance called canao is held during special occasions, like fiestas and especially during this occasion. A female and male pair hop and skip to the beat of traditional instruments. The male dancer wears a blanket over his shoulder and the female dancer wraps a similar blanket around her. The pair continue to dance until viewers honor them by shouting “Ooo, wag, hoy, hoy” two times, at this point, they can stop dancing. Respected members of society are expected to join in the dance.